Members of two chambers of commerce voted Wednesday evening to create a parent organization, which will become the largest chamber in the Albany, New York region.

The Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Schenectady County will become affiliate members of the new Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. The parent organization will represent about 3,000 employers, surpassing the Saratoga County Regional Chamber, which has more than 2,500 members.

The Albany and Schenectady chambers will retain their identities and separate boards. Chamber members approved the partnership during a vote at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia.

The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce will advocate for regional business issues.

"It's a major piece because of strength in numbers," said Chuck Steiner, president and CEO of the Schenectady chamber.

The Albany and Schenectady chambers will focus on local issues. Small businesses will benefit because they'll have access to programs and resources of both chambers, Steiner said.

Ray Bleser, president of Northeastern Fine Jewelry, will be the chair of the Capital Region Chamber.

Mark Eagan, president and CEO, of the Albany-Colonie chamber, will become CEO of the Capital Region chamber. Steiner will serve as president.

There will be 23 full-time staff and the two chambers will have a budget of approximately $3.3 million.

The creation of the regional chamber is one of several changes at economic development advocacy organizations in the area. The 11-county region has more than 16 chambers of commerce.